Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, have booked their place at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket by overcoming Egypt 74-63 in the final of the Zone V Qualifiers at the Hassan Mostafa Arena in Cairo.
This victory not only guarantees Uganda a spot in the prestigious tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, but also serves as a satisfying revenge against Egypt, who had previously denied them direct qualification for the 2023 edition.
The triumph marks Uganda’s fourth appearance at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, with their previous participations in 1997, 2015, and 2023.
Gazelles displayed determination and strategic focus throughout the game. Despite trailing Egypt 18-19 after the first quarter, the Gazelles came alive in the second, finishing the first half with a solid 40-29 lead. Their dominance continued into the third quarter, extending their advantage to 61-45, before securing the win at 74-63.
Captain Jane Asinde led the charge with a stellar performance, scoring 19 points, pulling down 12 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. Paige Robinson also made her mark, contributing 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Egypt’s top player, Raneem Elgedawy, matched Asinde’s 19 points and added 11 rebounds.
The Gazelles entered the final with a 3-1 record, their only loss coming against Egypt in the group stages (62-65). Key victories over Kenya, South Sudan, and a commanding 66-30 win over Burundi proved vital in their quest.
This victory in Cairo is a major achievement for Uganda, who now become the seventh team to secure qualification for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. They join hosts Ivory Coast, defending champions Nigeria, 2023 finalists Senegal, semi-finalists Rwanda and Mali, and Zone IV winners Cameroon.
Historically, Egypt has had the upper hand in their matchups, winning seven of the previous nine encounters. They also triumphed in the 2023 Zone V final in Kampala (74-65), securing their FIBA Women’s AfroBasket spot and leaving Uganda to rely on a wild card invitation. However, the Gazelles turned the tables this time, ensuring Egypt must now seek alternative routes to qualification.
Uganda’s last appearance in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, in 2023, saw them finish in 7th place, their best performance to date. With Asinde, Robinson, and a bolstered squad under coach Nicholas Natuhereza, the Gazelles will now look to build on this momentum for an even stronger campaign in Abidjan, set to take place from July 25 to August 3.
